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Five common tasks for the handiest plane in the shop BY CHRI S GOCHNOUR O ne of the tools I reach for most often is a block plane. With its compact size and comfortable palm grip, it is an extension of my hand. I almost always have a block plane within reach as I navigate through the diverse tasks of custom-furniture building. A finely tuned block plane is a pleasure to use. Quiet, efficient and precise, it can slice tissue-thin shavings off end grain, leaving a crisp, clean surface that no method can rival. I use a block plane for many tasks, such as eliminating mill marks from board edges and ends, shaping a radius or a chamfer on a board's edge, and fine-tuning and cleaning up joinery. Over the years, I've refined the way I tune and use this plane, based on the tool's unique geometry and features. Typically made of metal and varying in length from 4 in. to 7 in., block planes are ideal for planing small parts and reaching into tight areas. They can be used one- or two-handed, either pushed or pulled. The blade is bedded at a low angle-between 12° and 20°-but the bevel faces upward, creating an actual cutting angle of 37" to 45° (if the blade is sharpened at 25°). The low blade angle allows for a palm-andfinger grasp and a low center of gravity, creating a more sensitive feel and greater stability. It also puts the blade in more di- 68 FI WOODWORKING Low-angle vs. standard block plane Years ago, when I first tried my hand at planing, I used a low-angle block plane to level the front edges of a figured mahogany dresser. I was puzzled by the torn grain that resulted, because I knew my plane was well tuned and razor sharp. After further experimentation, It became clear that I had not chosen the right plane for the situation. Understanding cutting angles will help you select and tune a block plane that will handle the task at hand effectively. The cutting angle Is the angle formed by the workpiece and the top of the blade. A low cutting angle requires less energy, reduces fric· tlon (enabling the blade to stay sharp longer) and minimizes blade deflection and chatter, allowing the blade to slice through long grain or end grain with less effort. However, a low-angle blade has more trouble on figured or changing grain because the low angle produces a knifelike cut that tends to 11ft and pry, tearing the grain. Conversely, a standard block plane with a steeper cutting angle requires more en- ergy to use, generates more friction and dulls more rapidly. It also Is more susceptible to chatter. However, these qualities make a standard block plane more valuable on long grain, where Its wedgellke cut will not 11ft, pry and tear the grain. Photos: Asa Christiana